GRAND BLANC, MI – Downtown Flint won't be the only stretch of Saginaw Road with arches if Grand Blanc gets its wish.

The city is applying for a $100,000 state matching grant in hopes of putting arches or signs on either side of the railroad viaduct, which was built in 1940, that greets visitors as they drive into Grand Blanc.

Unable to paint the viaduct because it belongs to CSX, the city instead wants to beautify it with arches or signs at a cost of about $180,000.

A representative for the Jacksonville, Fla.-based CSX could not be reached for comment.

The city has pledged $15,000 for the project but will look to crowdfunding to raise the rest of the cash.

If the Michigan Economic Development Corporation says yes to the grant, city officials will open a Patronicity account to raise donations.

Patronicity is a crowdfunding website where community members can support local projects. A project that is featured on the website is for a green alley in Detroit's Midtown.

"We'll do whatever we have to do and hopefully it'll be sooner than later. We can get the money and get the project started," said Grand Blanc Mayor Susan Soderstrom. "I just think it'll be a wonderful welcome to our community instead of looking at that viaduct."

Soderstrom said she is hopeful for the fundraising efforts.

"$10 donations really add up," said Soderstrom.

Jet Kilmer, Grand Blanc Chamber of Commerce president, said the sign would be an improvement to aesthetics of the community – adding that being able to use the sign to promote community-wide activities and events would help in drawing people and families to come back.

"It's a step toward growth and exposure. We certainly do have our commuters, but we also have people who come into Grand Blanc," Kilmer said.

To get the word out about the effort, the city plans to start a Facebook page.

Dana DeFever can be reached at 810-429-3919 or ddefever@mlive.com. You can also follow her on Twitter @DanaDeFever or subscribe to her on Facebook.